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sakina_groth

What should go under this entry mirror?

12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Just repainted my entry a dark gray, which opens into the formal living and dining rooms (which are painted a lighter gray). I have a beautiful large goldish-silver French-framed mirror, and have no idea what to put under it! I had assumed a white console table would accent the dark gray, but the one I got (pictured here) looks too modern, since the rest of the room is an eclectic shabby chic/glam mix. I then tried a more rustic one, but it just didn't wow - too much white and the beachy look contrasted with the formality of the mirror in a bad way. Both tables also looked a bit oversized, but I've never seen a console table under a mirror that is less wide than the mirror itself - is this a design no-no? I'll be fixing the baseboard/missing tile under the mirror, so ignore that. However, the wall is slightly raised/damaged under the mirror where we tore out an old built-in, so I do need something on that wall to hide it (in other words, I can't just leave it bare under the mirror). I could also do a bench/stools, but have cats to consider - and not sure if that would be odd since the foyer is so small and opens right into the living room. I'm including a picture of the living room so you can see what I'm working with. I am also replacing the foyer chandelier to a formal pewter one. Thanks for your help!

Comments (23)

  • 12 years ago
    That mirror looks quite tall and high.. .What about taking it off the wall, and just leaning it against the wall, without a table. Is it tall enough for that?
  • 12 years ago
    more ideas. you might want to go with something solid, to disguise the different flooring underneath... or add some little stools like the ones shown.
  • 12 years ago
    Not quite. The mirror is about 65'' high, but I have 20 foot ceilings! Adding the mirror high reflects the stairwell and definitely added the right drama to the room. I just have to figure out how to accent it!
  • 12 years ago
    after looking at these pics, I just think your mirror is too high, and needs a little more staging. Maybe if it is not tall enough to sit on floor, hang it level, or below level of table. Add some more/heavier objects on table, and perhaps stools underneath. Great mirror!
  • 12 years ago
    Just saw your comment - then perhaps try resting it on table, at an angle. Will lower the mirror position on wall, which seems to high, yet reflect stairwell, because it is on an angle.
  • 12 years ago
    Did you try your ottoman/coffee table there, just to see what it looks like?
  • 12 years ago
    sarainitaly I love the 2nd photo in your first reply. I wouldn't have thought those 2 would work, but they do. I'm scared to bring in another white table though. Here is a pic of the other table I tried. Looks perfect, right? It "worked" but was underwhelming. Something about it looked too big, white and casual, and the bottom shelf drew more attention to the different floors underneath rather than hiding them.
  • 12 years ago
    In one of sarainitaly's pics, there are two ottomans under the table. You should do something like that to add the necessary weight to the table. The candles you currently have are somewhat spindly -- perhaps a large bowl or box/chest would look best on the table. Here's another photo of table/ottomans:
    Layering textures is key to opulance · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Sakina Groth - oooh, i like that white table. I think that might be the ticket! ;O) Try it again, go around your house, and find some nice pieces / books you can use above and below. Big vase. Flowers. It just needs a little dressing.
  • 12 years ago
    Also, notice the mirror is quite close to the table.
  • 12 years ago
    Hmm. Here's what it looks like with the ottoman. The mirror would need be lowered if I did this - I could get 2 ottomans or a bench. That wouldn't be weird opening right up to the living room? Would also have to find something cat-proof! I was also wondering if a black or glass table would be a better bet. I did try a wood credenza as well yesterday (my husband was not happy with all the moving I was having him do), and it looked a bit too dark.
  • 12 years ago
    To me the table doesn't look heavy enough for the mirror, but sometimes you have to work with what you own. Have you thought of painting the table black, then put a draping plant on one side, and heavier candlesticks or paired objects on the other side? I liked the other table design..you could put a plant and books or other decorative item on the bottom shelf.
  • 12 years ago
    This was the image I was originally thinking of, just found it. Big mirror, small table, but proper staging, it works.
  • 12 years ago
    I did try dressing the white table but maybe I need to try more things! And you're right perhaps I should try lowering the mirror a bit. The spindly candles are just temporary.
  • 12 years ago
    Personally I love the leaning look - I have the same color paint in my bedroom and a huge ornate leaning mirror. But we really wanted to bring out the height of the room, and also this is Boca Raton and people don't "get" the leaning look. My other thoughts were trying a black table, or perhaps a glass one? Does the table underneath have to be as wide or wider than the mirror?
  • 12 years ago
    Thoughts on this? It comes in both eggshell white, and two shades of lighter and darker gray
  • 12 years ago
    yea, the ottoman doesn't look quite right... My vote is still on the other white table you have, with the lower shelf. i think the style goes nicely with the mirror. I really like that picture you mentioned, the second one, with that tall vase in the middle, and the mirror a little lower. I have also seen smaller mirrors leaned up against the larger mirror, mirrors or photo frames, of varying heights. I usually ransack my house, looking for things I can play with, before buying new. It looks like you have the right pieces, just a matter of finding the right combo, accents! :O)
  • 12 years ago
    I can't wait to do this in my new house!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I think you should considering lowering the mirror and have nothing under it. Will this cover the hole if you do this? You have two pieces to the left of this mirror area and it's enough furniture in this area to me.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hi! Looks like you have a lovely place- here are a few ideas for you:

    http://deciture.com/graphite-ottoman/ (two of these under the mirror)

    http://deciture.com/marisa-graphic-ottoman-grey/ (two under the mirror)

    http://deciture.com/simone-side-tables-set-of-3/ (three nesting tables may look nice)

    Hope this helps!
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I like your second table a lot. You need to lower the mirror or lean it on the table then add mass. I like virtually all the pictures posted. Maybe add a cascading plant on the lower left of the shelf to help with the floor transition. I think you have the pieces you need in your home. Even if you have to cannibalize something from a good vignette somewhere else, it will tell you what sort of thing you need to buy as an accent.

    Oh, and you don't have to worry about the 20' high ceilings. Dress the walls down where we all live. Let the ceilings soar.

    I also love most all the tables posted, but I wouldn't buy new. I'd experiment with what I have.